The Steam Deck has transformed portable gaming by enabling the play of PC games while on the move, and the Steam Deck Verified program has been essential in providing a smooth gaming experience. This program assesses games based on their performance, control compatibility, and display capabilities on the Steam Deck, assigning badges to indicate how well a game operates on the device. These badges vary from “Verified” for games that function perfectly, to “Playable” for those that need some adjustments, and “Unsupported” for those that do not run adequately.
Valve is now broadening this verification program to encompass the forthcoming Steam Machine, a device designed to deliver the Steam gaming experience in living rooms. The Steam Machine Verified program will have an extended scope, with Valve designers suggesting that there will be “fewer restrictions” in their evaluation criteria. This indicates that a greater number of games are anticipated to achieve the Verified status for the Steam Machine compared to the Steam Deck.
This expansion of the verification program is a tactical decision by Valve to guarantee that users of the Steam Machine can relish a diverse selection of games with assurance in their performance and compatibility. The Steam Machine is poised to present a more adaptable gaming experience, likely appealing to a wider audience seeking a console-like experience alongside the extensive library of PC games available on Steam.
As the Steam Machine gets ready to launch, the Steam Machine Verified program is expected to play a crucial role in its success, similar to its influence on the Steam Deck. Gamers can anticipate an increasing list of Verified games, ensuring that they can enjoy their preferred titles with optimal performance on Valve’s newest hardware.